my own christmas countdown

Creating a Christmas countdown Activity list for my kids was a lot of fun. I really want them to enjoy this season. And although G doesn’t understand yet and L doesn’t show the excitement and enthusiasm I’d like sometimes, I think it’s a great way to create some anticipation to that special day. I won’t get tired of saying it, I love Christmas!

I love it so much that I’m enjoying my own Christmas countdown. I had so much fun decorating for Halloween, that I wanted to do it all over again for Christmas. I made a list of Christmas crafts and ideas that I’m working on. Some are done, some are still waiting. And like my Halloween projects, these crafts are very easy {some extremely easy} and very budget friendly. Of course, I scoured the web for some inspiration.

- Christmas pillow covers. How cute is this one? {at least one}.

{image via etsy}

- Christmas artwork. Glitter = festive in my book.

{image via shakentogetherlife}

- Christmas napkin rings and table cards. It can’t get better than stripes {ok, maybe chevron}. Simple and cute.

{image via prudentbaby}

- Christmas table runner. How lovely is this table runner? So delicate.

{image via prettymyparty}

I have a couple more projects and I’ll be sharing them next week. So stay tuned.

Happy Saturday and happy crafting!

halloween party!

Head over to mamemima to check out our halloween party decor and details!

halloween decor {on a budget} – free striped candles

This project couldn’t be simpler. I had white candles. I had black electrical tape.

I like how the candles look a little more sophisticated. And they can stay like that all year round, not just for Halloween. Orange candles will work better for Halloween, but I only had white candles {I forgot to take pictures of the candles in the dining room}. I’m not planning on lighting the candles so this is more just a decorative thing.

Materials: white candles and black electrical tape {use orange candles, purple or green, depending on your Halloween decor}

Next project: quick Halloween Spider Web Art. Stat tuned. Happy Friday!

Linking up with: eighteen25, somewhat simple, and momnivores dilema.

what I want now…

this Colors 201 Iphone 5 case by MadeByGirl. My kind husband gave me a new iPhone 5 for my birthday. The one I had before {which was his previous one} broke during our trip to Florida so I needed to replace it. He went far and beyond to get one for me. They were sold out almost everywhere. Finally he tracked down one left at a local store. Isn’t he the best? Now I need a case to protect it and I’m loving this one.

You can get it at the Society6 website. They have so many awesome designs it was hard to choose. I’m a big fan of Made By Girl art. I have many of her posters around my house. {You can see them here}. And this is the perfect case, modern, artsy and feminine. Love it!

Happy Friday! Have an awesome weekend.

G’s 1st birthday party in hostess with the mostess

Giacomo’s first birthday party was featured in Hostess with the Mostess last week. I know, I’m so bad at keeping up with all these things. You can still head over there to check out all the details about this party that was planned with much love and joy. All for my little man. We love you G!

free printable – closet divider template. round 2

I’ve meant to create a new set of these closet dividers now that G is one year old and his closet is rapidly filling with 2T, 3T, 4T and even 5T clothes. {Yes, I’m that obsessed with buying clothes for my boy}. I also have tons of L’s hand-me-downs that I want to save for G. But those need a different storage system. For now I keep them in bins under the bed in G’s room.

Anyway, a recent comment asking for these divider templates with a different size grouping gave me the perfect excuse to finally get to make them.

These new set is grouped: 6-12m, 12-18m, 18-24m, 24m, 3T and 4T. I know each clothing brand has different sizing, so hopefully these new set will be useful for some of you. Again, I hope it’s not too late.

You can download them here and here. Enjoy!

Linking up with A Bowl Full of Lemons. Check it out!

what I want now…

this Gap maxi dress! This chevron stripe yellow dress just screams Summer to me.  Add a stylish hat, flat sandals and some layers of long necklaces and you have the perfect Summer outfit, don’t you think?

Happy Friday everyone!

west elm in the suburbs

Finally, West Elm is opening a store in Westchester. Tomorrow! I was so excited when I found out that I planned to attend their pre-opening event happening tonight. But unfortunately I won’t be able to attend. A cranky, teething baby needs his mommy. But I’ll definitely make time to stop by next week to see all their goodies.

P.S. After all the festivities things are slowly going back to normal around here. I have many makeover projects to share. Just need time to take pictures! I promise they are coming soon.

from our backyard…

I got these pink peonies from our backyard. They don’t grow very often. But when they do, they’re just gorgeous. And they smell delicious!

what I want now – mother’s day edition

When the mister asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day, without hesitation I said: “A full night of uninterrupted sleep”. He thought I was joking. But no, I wasn’t. I’m not. That’s all I want. Really. But I’m so used to get up every four hours that I don’t think that’s going to happen. So instead what about any of the following?

1. Toms Yellow Palmetto Women's Classics - $54 
2. Tory Burch Printed Flip Flops - $50
3. Paddywax Classic Chamomile Candle - $24
4. Vosges Dark Chocolate Truffle Collection - $26
5. Poshlocket Celeste Silver Roped Bracelet - $25
6. Lands' Ends Canvas Women's Skinny Braided Belt - $25
7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot iPhone 4 case - $35
8. Banana Republic Adeline Chevron Scarf - $49.50
9. Nashelle Aline Pure Necklace - $35
10. Kate Spade Striped Notepads - $12